'Great Pumpkin' criticized for sending wrong message

Blogger says show shows bullying without consequences

SS - Charlie Brown criticized in blogIt may be a holiday classic, but some parents are saying "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" should be retired from the airwaves.

The "Today" show's Moms blog reported that Buzz Bishop, known online as DadCamp, recently wrote at Babble.com that the show sends the wrong message to children because of its "continuous teasing and bullying."

"The show is riddled with the kids calling each other stupid, dumb, and blockheads," Bishop wrote. "Charlie Brown is supposed to be the hero. Instead, he is kicked and demeaned at every turn, even by the adults giving out candy."

Bishop criticized the show's antiquated acceptance of schoolyard teasing and how the bullying children are never held to account.

Bishop said the way Charlie Brown is always given a rock while trick-or-treating shows that even the adults are joining in on the bullying.

Some of the comments on Bishop's blog defend the show, saying that it's better that children first encounter bullying through a TV show than on the playground.